Downtown State College encouraging local holiday shopping now, before Penn State playoff game
The most organized shoppers might already be done shopping for the holiday season but, for those who still need to find the perfect gift, this weekend may be the best time to shop locally in downtown State College.
That’s because Penn State is hosting a first-round College Football Playoff game at Beaver Stadium on Dec. 21, the last weekend before Christmas. Parking and access to downtown State College will be challenging that weekend, the Downtown State College Improvement District wrote in a press release. With the game, event parking rates will be implemented on Dec. 20-22, overriding the free holiday parking.
Instead of fighting traffic or skipping in-person shopping all together, the DSCID is encouraging people to shop local this weekend, Dec. 14-15. Kendra Kielbasa, retail and commercial business advocate for the DSCID, said the weekend before Christmas is traditionally their busiest time.
“Next weekend’s graduation and the College Football Playoff will bring thousands to the area, but it may also make accessing downtown more difficult for local shoppers. We encourage everyone to shop early this weekend to find the perfect gifts while enjoying a festive and welcoming downtown atmosphere,” Kielbasa said.
It’s been a challenging year for some downtown businesses, in part because of construction disruptions along Calder Way, Kielbasa said, which lead to revenue losses.
Free two-hour garage parking is available this weekend, as well as free meters and lots from 5-10 p.m. DSCID encourages shoppers to walk through the downtown streets as they’re lit up and visit some restaurants while they’re shopping, as well.
Business owners are relying on local support, Kielbasa said.
“These retailers are here because they love this community but also need and rely on your support during this busy holiday season,” she said.
For more information about downtown events, parking and promotions, visit www.downtownstatecollege.com.
